Propolis

Feng Jiao 蜂胶 (TCM)
Picture Dioscorides Materia Medica, Ruellio, 1549

Picture Propolis
Photo by Abalg

Entomological name:


Apis mellifera

Parts used:


Resinous matter secreted by the domestic Bee, Apis mellifera

Temperature & Taste:


Warm, dry.

Classifications:


2L. EMOLLIENT.    2M. DRAWING.    2U. SUPPURATIVES

Uses:


1. Clears Heat and Toxin:
-as an aid during bacterial infections including Dysentery
-acute Cold and Flu; proven effect against Flu virus
-topically for bacterial infections with Heat and Inflammation

2. Benefits Spleen, Increases Qi:
-Indigestion, Diarrhea
-increases Qi, nourishes Blood, benefits Essence
-effective against H. pylori (Stomach ulcers)
-benefits Immunity; prevents infection during epidemics
-adjunct in Diabetes (Chinese Pharmacopoeia, 2005)
-adjunct in Cancer therapy

3. Externally:
-accelerates tissue healing (Chinese Pharmacopoeia, 2005)
-applied to old Ulcers and Wounds
-applied to Hemorrhoids
-suppurative, helps ripen boils, abscesses and swellings
-emollient, softens hardness, relieves inflammations
-topically for Periodontitis and Stomatitis
-gargle for Pharyngitis
-fumes have been inhaled for Asthma
-applied to Corns (bandaged on for several days)


Dose:


200–600mg

Preparation:


1. The crude propolis is put into a pan with twice its weight of water; when boiling and melted, strain through cloth and express into cold water. When congealed, it is rolled into cylinders.
2. It may be processed with alcohol: powder, dissolve in ethanol, filter, evaporate to dryness.

Substitutes:


1. Gum Ammoniac
2. Gum Terebinth
3. Propolis itself was listed as a substitute for Galbanum and Sagapen, suggesting these could be used in its place.

Main Combinations:


1. Ulcers, topically with Myrrh
2. Avicenna’s Ointment for Wrinkles: Lily root, Oil of Bitter Almond, Honey, Propolis

Cautions:


Caution with hypoallergenic people

Main Preparations used:


Purified Propolis, Ointment of Propolis

1. Ointment of Propolis:
i. Purified Propolis (4 oz.), Olive oil (1 ½ lbs.). Dissolve with a moderate heat, strain while Hot. (Formulaire Magistral et Memorial Pharmaceutique, 1823)
ii. Purified Propolis (1 part), Olive oil (2 parts). (Pharmacopoeia medici practici universalis, Bruxelles, 1817)